Byzantine Bronze Coin Weight

Comprising a flat-section hoop with a starburst motif to the base; openwork shoulders and a square bezel with a pellet to each corner, the bezel engraved with foliate motifs. 3.65 grams, 19.99 mm overall, 18.00 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)



Acquired from London galleries during the 1990s. From the jewellery collection of a London, UK, gentleman.

Some rings from the Balkan territories of the Eastern Empire (for example the ring from Dobrača) bear a square thickened bezel engraved with schematic representations. What sets them apart are the widened shoulders emphasised by a plastic rib and the raised and flattened head, which places them in the group of rings which dates mainly to the 11th century (from the end of the 10th to the first decades of the 12th century).

Mixed group of square trade weights with punched and incised detailing. 36.4 grams total, 7-14 mm



Acquired since the 1970s. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Comprising a round-section hoop with tablet-bezel depicting a military saint on horseback (probably Saint George) advancing right, the nimbate saint holding a large cross in his right hand. 4.00 grams, 21.79 mm overall, 18.33 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)



Ex Axia Art, London, UK. Property of a North American gallery. Accompanied by a positive scientific statement from Striptwist Limited, a London-based company run by historical precious metal specialist Dr Jack Ogden, reference number 170705. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12117-214328.

This type of ring belongs to a typical category of the period in question, made with high-quality materials, and decorated with images of saints to invoke their protection. The presence of Saint George on this ring could refer to an owner of high military rank.